Our Recycling Project

Over the years, I've experimented with different ways of handling my recycling. I'm sure that I've spent an inordinate amount of time and energy working on my recycling project, so, in the spirit of trying to save others some time and effort, this is what we're able to recycle and how it is organized.

Under our kitchen sink we have 7 separate containers (from left to right) for compost, mixed recyclables (glass, plastic, and metal), corrugated cardboard, paper, newspaper, grayboard (paperboard), and magazines.

In case you were wondering, those are milk boxes. I just took three half gallon boxes, washed them thoroughly, cut out some sides, and taped them together with gorilla tape. The containers under the sink provide a convenient location to sort recyclables without having to take everything to our larger recycling bins in the garage everyday. (Our trash can for what can't be recycled is separate and located elsewhere in the kitchen.) I empty these small containers into our larger recycling bins in our garage once each week where they stay until we take them to our community recycling program once each month.

This is about a month's worth of recycling.

In addition to the categories I mentioned above, I also have separate containers/bags for batteries, electronics, grocery bags, telephone books, and printer cartridges that I keep in the garage.

The key to successful recycling is finding a system that works for you. It must be simple, clean, and out-of-the-way. This system only requires a few minutes every week. I've never actually weighed our trash, but I'd say we recycle roughly 75% of our household waste.

Pilot recycling program in one midstate county is declared a success

07/06/2007Scott Gilbert(York) -- A pilot program in York County has confirmed that giving residents bigger recycling bins leads to the collection of more materials. However, just how much more has surprised some officials. Last September, residents in New Freedom were given 22-gallon recycling bins to replace their 14-gallon tubs they had been using. The county also distributed educational pamphlets in the borough. The amount of recycled materials gathered there over an eight-month period ending in April jumped by 72 percent from the same time frame a year earlier. Ellen O'Connor, with the York County Solid Waste and Refuse Authority, was thrilled with the results. O'Connor says grants are available to help communities pay for up to 90 percent of the cost of new bins. Fifty-five of York County's 72 municipalities have curbside recycling programs. http://www.witf.org/FM/news.php